Happy Monday, especially if you are lucky enough to have today off. Since I have some free time, I decided to try uplifting those feeling blue about the imminent cold weather (although many of you love winter).
Now is an excellent time to start thinking about things you have wanted to do but put them off because the weather was too nice to be stuck inside. For instance, you may have wanted to take an online class or start an indoor project (we have so much painting to do!)
Some are procrastinators and use whatever excuse they can to not do something. It might be because it is complicated and tedious or something out of your wheelhouse. Listen, I get it. I just finished my accounting project for my class, which was super tough and out of my comfort zone.
Here are some tips to get you started, no matter if it is something you want to do or have to do.
Do you remember the old slogan “Just do it?” Well, it is easier said than done. For that to work, you have to psych yourself up. A good reframe will often work. Think about the task; if you do it now, will it free you up later for something you want to do? Getting unpleasant jobs out of the way feels so good. It makes you proud that you straightened your back and got to work. Tell that to yourself before getting started. Promise yourself that you will give yourself a reward when you are done.
Are you afraid to start because you might not be good at it and hate failure? Failure is an essential part of life (that is what I reminded myself of when I tanked a quiz), and how will you know if you don’t try it? You might discover a new skill that you can build on. I never was interested in business until I started my own. Coaching is a business that requires marketing, advertising, and accounting as any other. All I know how to do is coach, so I am back in school for an EMBA. Never let not knowing how to do something stand in your way: Learn!
If you have been putting off a big project that seems overwhelming, chunk it. If you haven’t heard of chunking, it is just taking a big job and breaking it down into more easily accomplished pieces. Start with one piece; if you feel okay about it, do another. You will find you will get a lot done this way.
Similar to chunking is goal setting. This is a technique I use with my clients. First, you set a big goal, like starting a new career, learning a new instrument, or getting a degree. These examples take time and effort, so many people give up. Envision what complete success will look like, then brainstorm what steps you need to take to get there. Each time you reach a milestone (finishing a course, mastering a new song, etc.), celebrate! Never shrug off when you succeed; you deserve self-praise for sticking to the plan.
Some of you might think I promised to try to uplift you, but then I talked about things that require effort. How is that uplifting? Think about it this way: every time you make time to do things that need to be done, you have improved your life. Cleaning the bathroom might not be your idea of a good time, but isn’t it lovely when it is clean and shiny when you get ready for work each day?
Look for the positive in everything you do. Appreciate that you can do hard things. Life is more enjoyable if you are grateful. Then, when the cold winds are blowing and you are cleaning out the attic or basement, you might be thankful that you have an attic and basement to clean.
Enjoy your Monday and happy task setting!
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